Consultant dietitian and nutritionist Anna Suckling gives her opinion on the Pink Patch and other weight loss aids

My personal opinion is that people should approach weight loss aids such as the Pink Patch with caution. Relying on a patch to lose weight is not a healthy idea and cannot replace healthy eating, exercise and behaviour change.

I would be cautious about encouraging women and men to put their high hopes of weight loss in an external patch. Whilst some people may lose weight, it's worth remembering that when using these weight loss products people probably become more aware of what they're eating and it's those dietary changes they make that causes them to lose weight, rather than the patch itself.

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I would be very interested to read the clinical trials that are stated in literature regarding the Pink Patch. I would be particularly interested in viewing the participant groups used to test the patch and also whether any dietary changes were made. Clinical trials often include the use of calorie-controlled diets which would result in weight loss regardless of the tested substance/aid.

I would not recommend these products to my clients/patients. It is, of course, a personal choice, however weight loss aids only work while the motivation continues. Once the patch treatment ceases I would expect people to return to their old dietary and lifestyle habits, thus regaining the weight.

There are medications available to help support weight loss but all of them require behaviour modification as well. Medications and weight loss aids do not promote long term weight loss on their own. You have to change the way you think about your diet, lifestyle and physical activity levels before you will be able to succeed with long-term weight loss.

If you are thinking about trying the Pink Patch I would encourage you to first try the traditional method of losing weight: by altering food intake and increasing energy expenditure. If you are obese I would also recommend a visit to your GP to discuss what support is offered in your local area. Seeing a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personal advice would be useful too.

Come back tomorrow for Anna's top tips on losing weight without the help of the Pink Patch.

Does this advice put you off using weight loss aids such as the Pink Patch or would you still be willing to give it a go? Tell us what you think in the comment box below...

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